Every summer has a story. My story last summer was a romance. In the summer of 2015 I fell in love.
I’m not sure whether it was the hot and sweaty sunsets, the sexy salsa backing track, or knocking back copious amounts of rum (or, perhaps, a combination of all three), but I fell head over heels. Hard and fast. This wasn’t just your typical holiday romance though, as this wasn’t just your typical holiday.
It was a love/hate relationship – I loved every second we were together, I hated having to say “adiós”.
Long after my return to the UK I would think of my love, usually while staring out the window at the wet winter that was upon us. I would dream of being back on the beach, laughing carelessly, salt on my skin and the sun bleaching my hair.
Walking away was tough, but I knew I would always have the memories.
I would always have Cartagena.
*****
Colombia is not a traditional tourist hot spot for Brits – though neither is it your typical traveller destination.
Last year, when I announced that I would be travelling to the country as part of my 12 countries in 12 months mission, I was met with mixed response. While some shared my excitement to explore somewhere a little less mainstream, others retorted with comments about crime, corruption and cocaine.
“Be careful,” they said.
You can’t ignore the fact that Colombia has a bad reputation. And these days Netflix’s Narcos is probably just as much to blame as drug baron Pablo Escobar’s legacy for the immediate nervousness when someone even suggests they may travel there. But how much truth is there in the tales of unruly drug cartels and merciless kidnappings?
As a young(ish), female solo traveller heading to the South American country for the first time, I was told to be on guard, vigilant and to “stay safe”. Other travel blogs gave helpful advice, while the Colombian families I stayed with warned me about possible scams and potential threats.
But nobody warned me about how bewitching Colombia is. There was no advice or counsel for this. And by the time I reached Cartagena, I was infatuated. I fell in love.
Oh my goodness, it sounds so incredible! I’d love to visit Cartagena one day – everyone I know who has been has told me it’s just one of the most beautiful places in the world ☺
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It really is Shikha – You should definitely go! I want to go back, heck I want to live there ❤
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Did You enjoy Cumbia music?
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I did Sartenada!! I loved dancing Salsa and the fast paced rhythm. I loved Marc Anthony’s “Vivir Mi Vida” ❤️
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How nice nice. I am really gld. It is my favorite music as I tell in my
About me.
Happy and safe travels!
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I’ve only recently heard about how lovely Cartagena is. This post only increases my burning desire to go!
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You should definitely go!! And I’m 101% convinced you will fall in love with it just as much as me ❤️
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The Feature picture is beyond stunning, what a fabulous place and it sure looks like you had an amazing time 🙂
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The best time EVER! x
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I have to say that Colombia would not be top of my list to visit because I would assume that it would be dangerous. Considering that I grew up in Belfast at the height of The Troubles this is pretty shortsighted of me, I admit. Looking forward to reading more and finding out about your trip.
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I can understand why you’d be apprehensive about travelling to a country like Colombia Joanne, but honestly, it shouldn’t be judged by its reputation… I loved the country – here’s a post with few of the reason’s why: Why my heart belongs to Cartagena. – Always Carry On.
https://alwayscarryon.com/2016/04/03/why-my-heart-belongs-to-cartagena/ ☺️
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I have often thought about travelling to Columbia but have read too much negative literature on it. I’m not usually the sorts who gets discouraged from travelling to a place because of its bad reputation but when I travel alone, I have to be sure I go someplace I am comfortable and not anxious in. Your post is definitely encouraging and I’m looking for such positive things to motivate me to go. Thanks for sharing. X
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I definitely think you should reconsider Medha – it’s an amazing country with so much to offer! x
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I love this. Same thing happened when I went to Edinburgh and I did not expect it at all. Thanks for the inspiration to get my ass to Columbia!!
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Yes you do! One word of warning though, Colombians hate it being called ColUMbia, so train yourself into CoLOMbia 😛 x
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I loved Cartegena, I have to admit I didn’t spend as much time as I would have liked but loved the time I spent there…by the way when you say Rum, it wouldn’t happen to be Santa Fe rum now would it 😛 And you are so right, I didn’t think I Colombia would rise to one of my favorite countries, I ended up living in Bogota for a while, love the country and the people, can’t wait to go back there haha 😀
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Oh wow, living in Bogota must have been an experience! I’m not jealous at all! x
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It was great, I lived in La Candelaria in around the students, was just an amazing place and amazing experience. Would love to go back 😀
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I loved that area, though only visited it for two days! Can see the appeal though!
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yeah it was a great atmosphere up there especially in La Canderlaria square at night, only thing was as it’s up against the mountains would get pretty cold at times.
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Cartagena is a really bewitching city. I truly feel like it’s all the colourful buildings that sucked me in, although I know others are really taken with the tropical weather and beaches. You are right that Colombia has a really negative reputation, which I think is so undeserved. I travelled there for a month and never felt any more unsafe than I have in Southeast Asia, for example.
Personally the heat and humidity in Cartagena is excessive for me, but I would love to go back in the wet season maybe and experience it again.
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Ahhh see I’m the opposite, I love the heat and humidity, and was disappointed with the few days of rain I had in Bogota lol! x
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Isn’t it amazing how travel can take your breath away? I love exploring new cities and just getting out there.
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I have always wanted to visit Caribbean! I hope I will one day. Your resort looks tons of fun!
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This isn’t technically the Caribbean – this is South America, but it’s a town on the Caribbean Sea 🙂 x
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What a stunning place! I’d absolutely love to go there someday, It looks so beautiful.
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I hope you make it to Colombia one day Kansas! x
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I’ve never been to Cartagena but it looks truly amazing. I only knew of it from the old Michael Douglas/Kathleen Turner movie Romancing The Stone (which is a great movie in and of itself!) I will have to put it on my list of places to travel to!
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Oh, I have never watched that movie! I simply must now, to relive my Cartagena memories x
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Cartagena sounds so amazing. The warmth, the beaches, the sun and water. I know I would love it as well. I feel if one is careful and pays attention to their surroundings they will be fine. Trouble, I feel, comes to trouble. What a beautiful stay you must have had.
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I completely agree Gladys, you’re right: trouble does come to trouble 🙂 if you’re smart and keep your wits about you, you’ll be fine x
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I so want to visit Columbia after binging on Narcos. Irony of this statement is not lost on me 😂
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Yeah, that’s pretty ironic! Narcos is nothing like real Colombia though! x
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I think I would still go to to Colombia to be around all the rich culture. It sounds like a really beautiful place.
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I’m glad that it’s reputation hasn’t put you off visit Colombia Luci x
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What a wonderful blessing that you are out seeing the world!!! I am intrigued by yiur photos and descriptions of places I hope to see someday.
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Have you ever been to Colombia before Daisy? It’s such an amazing country x
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I love that despite concerns you visited Columbia anyway and fell in love with it. It sounds like your wanderlust is in full swing, enjoy all the memories.
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Thanks Elizabeth – you’ve hit the nail on the head! x
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Cartagena is so beautiful place, I would love to visit it. The pictures look so beautiful, it would be a perfect destination for sun, sand, and relaxation.
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You’re right on all accounts Preet! x
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You’re quite the adventurer; 12 countries in 12 months!! Wow. And yes the Caribbean is beautiful. I am also glad you enjoyed your holiday in Columbia.
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Hehe thanks Ingrid, I am a bit of an adventurer, yep 😉 x
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Absolutely wonderful! And a bit of danger only makes it more exciting!
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I couldn’t agree more Corina! x
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I’ve never heard of this place, but it is SO gorgeous. I need to put it on my bucket list for sure. So pretty!!
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Yeah, I hadn’t heard about Cartagena until I actually booked my trip to Colombia and started researching places to visit – absolutely everyone tells you to go here! x
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The best vacation is a vacation you don’t want to leave. I have enjoyed all of mine and would even like to go back to a few places and see them again. I would love to visit 12 countries in 12 months!! Safe travels and enjoy yourself.
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Thanks so much Rose – I hope you’re able to fulfill all your travel dreams x
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This sounds like a wonderful vacation-very relaxing. I love the Caribbean!
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It’s technically not the Caribbean, but a town on the Caribbean coast off South America 😉 but it was a great trip! x
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I’ve never been to Cartagena. I think it’s a beautiful place and I understand why you fell in love with it so easily. I’ve always enjoyed places like this!
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Have you been anywhere that you’ve fallen in love with AnnMarie? x
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Cartagena looks like a wonderful place to visit. No wonder it holds such special memories for you. I can’t wait to read more about your adventures!
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Thanks Emily – there’s another post here all about why I love Cartagena so much: https://alwayscarryon.com/2016/04/03/why-my-heart-belongs-to-cartagena/ x
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